The singer beat competition from Nicholas McDonald in a head-to-head final in London's Wembley Arena last night (December 15).

Bailey was mentored by Sharon Osbourne, marking her first victory as a mentor following her return to the series earlier this year.

Host Dermot O'Leary revealed that the 36-year-old received over 1 million votes from the public to be crowed the victor.

Both Bailey and McDonald performed their two songs last night, Bailey covered Jennifer Rush's The Power of Love and Demi Lovato's Skyscraper, which will be her first single.

McDonald performed Sarah McLachlan's Angel and Five for Fighting's Superman.

Bailey said of her win: "I don't know what to say. I just want to say that I love that boy [Nicholas] to pieces and he needs to get an album out as well. He's got an amazing voice and I love him to death."

McDonald told O'Leary: "If I was going to get beaten by anybody it was going to be Sam. Sam is a hard one to beat, but I just want to say thank you to every single person who has voted for me week in and week out.

"This is not the end of me. I know I'll have an album out and I'll see you all on the tour. I love you all."

Osbourne spoke about how proud she was of Bailey on The Xtra Factor, saying: "I can't even begin to tell you. I want to thank everybody who has shown Sam so much love and support, and every week they have voted for her.

"Especially Lord Sugar who has been there from day one. God bless you, sir. Thank you to everyone."

The grand final last night also featured performances from Elton John and Gary Barlow, One Direction and Katy Perry.